Frequently Asked Questions
Wait times depend on referral volume and current occupancy. On average, clients wait between 50 and 80 days to enter our program from the time we receive a complete application. Feel free to contact us directly for more up-to-date waitlist information.
As mandated by Ontario Health, all referrals to live-in treatment must be made by a qualified community service agency.
While prospective clients must apply through a referring agent, Wayside House only accepts referrals on a voluntary basis. If you are a loved one of a potential applicant, you may acquire information on their behalf but the GAIN must be completed by the applicant and their referral source personally.
Live-In Program clients are selected for our Supportive Housing program based on suitability and availability. While we cannot guarantee that every client will transition into Supportive Housing, we are committed to providing all Wayside residents with a comprehensive Transition Plan.
Supportive Housing applicants are selected from Live-In Program clients by Wayside House’s clinical staff. To apply to our Live-In Program, see our admissions page.
Initially, we expect Supportive Housing clients to maintain a level of engagement with Wayside House that would take priority over work or schooling; however, returning to employment or education can be explored as part of a participant’s longer-term recovery plan.
All successful graduates of our Live-In Program can participate in Continuing Care.
Although our program works best through consistent engagement, we recognize that not everyone can attend every meeting. Provided you maintain contact with our Peer Support staff, we make every effort to facilitate your ongoing participation in the program.
Provided you have maintained engagement with Continuing Care, re-entry into the Core Program can be discussed with your primary counselor and the rest of the clinical staff. Our program is designed to facilitate re-entry on terms that best serve your ongoing treatment needs. Note that re-entry is always subject to the program’s current occupancy and waitlist.
The Family Program is accessible to anyone that a Live-In Program participant wishes to include. This can extend beyond blood relations to friends, partners and caregivers.
No. Our family programming is centered around education and support. Referrals to external counseling services may be available depending on needs identified during the program.
No. Our Family Program is currently only available to the loved ones of Wayside House clients; however, education materials are available to everyone through our website.
Yes. Support sessions can be held virtually and the educational materials can be accessed remotely.
The cost is covered through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s AIDS & Hepatitis C Secretariat if they are receiving Ontario Works or ODSP. An individual’s employment benefits may cover the cost of medication or there is the Trillium Drug Program. There will never be a cost of treatment for the person taking the treatment.
You would need to have blood labs before we schedule an appointment with our hepatologist. An abdominal ultrasound will also need to be completed, but treatment can be initiated prior to completion of ultrasound.
Hepatitis C is a blood virus that is contracted through only blood. It is primarily contracted through shared drug paraphernalia and jailhouse/non-professional tattoos in North America.
You can follow the referral button on the webpage, contact the program directly through email, or phone. We accept self-referrals and referrals from professionals.
Wait times depend on referral volume and current occupancy. On average, clients wait between 50 and 80 days to enter our program from the time we receive a complete application. Feel free to contact us directly for more up-to-date waitlist information.
Yes. A current, valid OHIP number is required for admission.
No. All referrals must be made by a qualified external agency as detailed in our admissions page.
Yes, with some restrictions. Clients must be on a stable dose of Opioid Replacement Therapy when entering our program and changes to this dosage are not permitted during treatment. In addition, due to the current lack of provincial standards, we cannot admit individuals on two concurrent courses of ORT: for example, methadone and Kadian simultaneously.
Before admission, incoming clients are required to have their prescriptions, including ORT, transferred to our partner pharmacy, the Medical Arts Pharmasave at 179 James St. S., which can be reached at (905) 522-1117. During your stay, Medical Arts will package your medication and send it to Wayside House for administration. Please note that for safety reasons we cannot administer medications that have not been approved by a doctor or prescribing agent.
We store your electronics in a secure place and they are only accessible on a temporary basis for appointments and other necessary activities as determined by your Primary Counselor. We limit access to electronics for safety reasons and to enable your undivided participation in the program.
Clients are encouraged to bring:
- At least one week’s worth of clothing
- Loonies and quarters for laundry
- Toiletries
- A clear water bottle
- Slippers and/or shower shoes
- Personal items, e.g. books, art supplies, puzzles, a journal or other materials for use during free time
In addition to closet and wardrobe space, a small locker is provided to each resident
Regular smoking breaks are part of our daily schedule. For clients interested in quitting, Wayside House is registered to provide free Nicotine Replacement Therapy through CAMH’s TEACH program.
Please contact Paige Faber, our Director of Development, for sponsorship opportunities.
Yes. We encourage all participants to involve family and friends in their fundraising efforts however they can. Any offline donations can be submitted to us directly on the day of the event.
We accept all support, big or small. There is no minimum donation.
Still have questions?
Connect with a Dedicated Staff Member
Explore our Educational Resources
Certifications & Funding
Wayside House of Hamilton is funded by the Ministry of Health and the generous support of our community partners. We are a proud member of Addictions & Mental Health Ontario, an integrated system of 150 service providers across the province. We have been accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation since 2016, a designation that signifies our commitment to compassionate, quality service.
